Karessa Schaffer

Within the distinguished "Pet Hospital" category, **Karessa Schaffer, DVM**, serves as an Associate Veterinarian at the comprehensive **Atlantic Animal Hospital & Pet Care Resort** in Wilmington, NC. Located at 1808 Sir Tyler Dr, Wilmington, NC 28405, and reachable at (910) 256-2624, this facility is a full-service veterinary medical center that integrates high-quality medical care with extensive pet care amenities, aiming to provide a truly holistic approach to pet well-being.

**Atlantic Animal Hospital & Pet Care Resort** is designed to offer a superior level of care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Being an **AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) accredited** veterinary hospital signifies that the facility has undergone rigorous evaluations on approximately 900 standards of veterinary excellence. This accreditation, maintained through a review every three years, covers virtually every aspect of a hospital's operations, including surgery, exam facilities, patient care, cleanliness, client service, emergency services, diagnostic imaging, and anesthesiology. Only 12-15% of animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada achieve this status, setting Atlantic Animal Hospital apart as a benchmark for quality care. The physical environment is meticulously maintained, ensuring a clean and hygienic space. Beyond the clinical areas, the facility integrates a "Pet Care Resort," which includes dedicated spaces for **boarding, doggie daycare, and grooming services**. This comprehensive setup means that pets can receive medical treatment and enjoy recreational and comfort services all under one roof. The resort aspect typically features spacious, climate-controlled suites for boarding, along with safe and engaging play areas for daycare, contributing to a stress-reduced and enriching experience for pets during their stay.

**Atlantic Animal Hospital & Pet Care Resort** provides an expansive range of veterinary and pet care services, making it a truly "Total Care" facility within the "Pet Hospital" category. The presence of experienced veterinarians like Dr. Karessa Schaffer, who has been with the hospital since graduating in 2006 and is dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond, underscores the quality of care. Their services include:

• General Wellness and Preventative Care: This foundational element includes comprehensive physical examinations, tailored **vaccination** protocols (to protect against common and regional diseases), parasite control (flea, tick, and heartworm prevention and treatment), and nutritional counseling.
• Diagnostic Services: The hospital is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to facilitate accurate and timely diagnoses. This includes **digital radiography (X-rays)** for detailed bone and internal organ imaging, **ultrasonography** for soft tissue evaluation, and a full **in-house laboratory** for rapid blood work, urinalysis, and other essential tests.
• Surgical Services: A wide range of surgical procedures are performed in their comprehensive surgical suite. This includes routine procedures like **spaying and neutering**, as well as more complex soft tissue surgeries and some orthopedic procedures. Advanced anesthesia monitoring and pain management protocols ensure patient safety and comfort.
• Dental Care: Comprehensive **dental care** is a crucial offering, including professional dental cleanings, extractions, and oral surgery, all supported by dental radiography to assess oral health thoroughly.
• Emergency and Urgent Care: While specific 24/7 emergency services might be handled by a separate emergency clinic in the area, Atlantic Animal Hospital & Pet Care Resort is equipped to handle urgent medical situations during its operational hours.
• Microchipping: Providing permanent identification for pets, significantly increasing the chances of reunification if a pet becomes lost.
• Pharmacy Services: An in-house pharmacy offers convenient access to prescribed medications, and they may also offer online pharmacy options for refills and specialized products.
• Specialty Consultations: For complex cases, they may facilitate referrals to specialists or bring in visiting specialists for advanced diagnostics or treatments.
• Behavioral Counseling: Offering advice and strategies for managing and modifying undesirable pet behaviors, promoting a harmonious living environment.
• Nutritional Support: Expert guidance on appropriate diets for a pet's age, breed, and specific health conditions.

Beyond medical services, the "Pet Care Resort" component offers:

• Boarding: Providing safe, comfortable, and supervised accommodations for dogs and cats. The reviews highlight the "great staff" who are "very patient with my daily calls to check on my babies," indicating a high level of attentiveness and care during boarding stays.
• Doggie Daycare: Offering a stimulating and social environment for dogs during the day, complete with supervised play and activities.
• Grooming Services: Professional grooming to maintain coat health and hygiene, contributing to a pet's overall well-being and comfort.

The primary distinguishing feature of **Atlantic Animal Hospital & Pet Care Resort** is its **AAHA accreditation**, which serves as a robust indicator of its commitment to the highest standards of veterinary excellence across all services. This voluntary accreditation signifies a dedication to quality that goes beyond basic state regulations, instilling confidence in pet owners. The integration of a "Pet Care Resort" alongside the animal hospital is another key feature, providing unparalleled convenience for pet owners who can manage their pet's health and recreational needs in one location. This combined approach is particularly appealing for busy individuals or those who travel frequently.

Customer experiences, as reflected in the reviews, consistently highlight the **compassionate and caring nature of the staff**. The repeated mention of "great staff" and their patience with daily calls for boarded cats underscores a profound commitment to client reassurance and animal welfare. The phrase "they really do care" is a strong testament to the personal connection the team forms with pets and their owners. Dr. Karessa Schaffer's own background, having worked in various veterinary positions before becoming a DVM and expressing pride in strengthening the human-animal bond, reflects the ethos of the hospital. While the provided reviews specifically praise the boarding experience, the overall positive sentiment about the staff's attentiveness and care is likely indicative of the quality of service across all departments. The longevity of Dr. Schaffer's tenure since 2006 suggests a stable and experienced veterinary team.

**Atlantic Animal Hospital & Pet Care Resort** actively promotes its status as an **AAHA-accredited facility**, recognizing this as a significant mark of quality and a key differentiator from other clinics. Their comprehensive website is a primary promotional tool, detailing their extensive medical, surgical, dental, and resort services, and introducing their experienced veterinary team, including Dr. Karessa Schaffer. They emphasize their mission to provide "the best possible medical care, surgical care and dental care for their highly-valued patients" and their commitment to "promoting responsible pet ownership, preventative health care and health-related educational opportunities for their clients." The integrated **Pet Care Resort** services (boarding, daycare, grooming) are also a strong promotional point, appealing to pet owners looking for convenience and integrated care. The positive testimonials regarding their boarding services, highlighting the staff's patience and care, serve as powerful word-of-mouth promotion. They also aim to support clients with payment solutions like **CareCredit** and discuss the benefits of **pet insurance** to help manage healthcare costs. By providing both advanced medical care and extensive pet amenities, Atlantic Animal Hospital & Pet Care Resort, with veterinarians like Dr. Karessa Schaffer, establishes itself as a highly valuable and trusted "Pet Hospital" resource for the Wilmington, NC community, dedicated to ensuring the health, happiness, and comfort of beloved pets.